What are the best CRM and email newsletter apps for a new store?

Topic summary

A new Shopify store owner is seeking recommendations for CRM and email marketing tools that are user-friendly and affordable, with automation capabilities for newsletters and customer communications.

Main recommendations provided:

  • Klaviyo: Highlighted as the strongest option for powerful email marketing with robust automation, analytics, and a generous free plan suitable for growing businesses
  • Shopify Email App: Recommended for beginners with small lists needing basic functionality; free and easy to use but may be outgrown quickly
  • Yotpo: Best suited if prioritizing reviews and social proof, though email marketing features are limited

Additional suggestions:

  • Bonjoro: Mentioned as a complementary tool for sending personalized thank-you videos to build customer relationships
  • Mailchimp, HubSpot, Zoho: Alternative options depending on budget and interface preferences
  • Skyvia: Suggested as an integration tool to sync customer data between platforms without custom coding

The consensus is to start with free plans and choose based on specific priorities—whether advanced automation (Klaviyo), simplicity (Shopify Email), or review management (Yotpo). The discussion remains open for further experiences and recommendations.

Summarized with AI on October 26. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

I have a new store. I need CRM, email process, some of which should be automated, as well as newsletter process. Looking at the Shopify email app, Yotpo and Klavivyo. Any recommendations or comments as to which one might work better for me? Want user friendly and free or not expensive! Thank you

Hi @leisurestore4yo ,

This is Kate from PageFly - Shopify Landing Page Builder App. Here’s a breakdown of the options you mentioned:

  • If you want a powerful email marketing platform with strong automation and analytics: Klaviyo is the best option. Its free plan is generous and caters to growing businesses.
  • If you’re just starting out with a small list and need basic email marketing: Shopify Email App is a good starting point. It’s free and easy to use, but you might outgrow it quickly.
  • If you prioritize reviews and social proof: Yotpo is a good fit. It helps build trust and generate user-generated content, but email marketing features are limited.

Ultimately, the best solution depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always good to explore different options and try out their free plans before making a decision.

I hope this information helps you choose the right email marketing platform for your new Shopify store!

Good luck!

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Thank you so much Kate. That is very helpful.

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Hi @leisurestore4yo ,

I am so happy that my suggestions can be your solution.

Best of luck with your online store!

The thread mentions a bunch of CRMs and email apps, but it’s tough to know which ones are best for a store just starting out. Ideally, I’d like something user-friendly that won’t break the bank

Maybe there’s a sweet spot where features meet affordability? Has anyone tried using a free CRM alongside a basic email marketing app? Or is it better to invest in a more comprehensive solution? I saw https://praemando.com mentioned earlier, which seems interesting. They offer both CRM and email marketing features. Anyone have experience with them?

Congratulations on starting your new store!

The best IMO are:

Shopify Email App - It is a good starting point to begin with if you have a small list and need basic email marketing.
Klaviyo -An powerful email marketing platform with strong automation and analytics.
Yotpo - It’s a good fit if you prioritize reviews and social proof .The drawback is ,that it has limited email marketing features.

For building customer relationships via your email marketing, I would recommend plugging Bonjoro into one of the apps above.

It connects to your email marketing tool so you can send personalized thank-you videos via email. Really helps to build that connection and advocacy where a standard email can’t.

Definitely give it a try - https://apps.shopify.com/bonjoro-personalized-thank-you-videos

Good luck and happy selling!